From an interview with
Dr. Michael Pavy
McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates

Much like winners in the TV game show “Jeopardy,” a cancer patient’s chances for success are greatly increased by putting their concerns in the form of a question.

In fact, studies show that patients WANT to ask questions about their disease and to be more involved in decisions about their care.

“We know from experience that patients want to be engaged in the decisions about their treatment plan,” says McLeod Oncologist Dr. Michael Pavy. “For many cancer patients, the diagnosis signals a loss of control over their life. Not only does involvement in treatment decisions give a person back some sense of control, but it’s truly the best approach we cancer specialists can take.”

A report issued by the Institute of Medicine specifically urges patients to be engaged in their own treatment. One of the recommendations urges patients to ask their cancer specialists a list of questions before going ahead with treatments.

Here are just a few of the suggested topic a patient should cover with their provider:

PROGNOSIS

• What is the goal of my treatment – directly treating the cancer, improving my symptoms, or both?
• What is my likelihood of cure?

TREATMENT

• What are my treatment options?
• What are the risks and benefits of my treatment options: radiation, chemotherapy, surgery?

ADVANCED CARE PLANNING

• Should I participate in an advance directive? Address financial and family legal issues? Draft a will?

FAMILY, PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS

• Who is available to help me cope with this situation?
• Do you have a Nurse Navigator who can help me through this process?

Oncology Specialist Patricia Ganz, MD, chaired the committee that wrote the report and emphasizes, “If you have a physician or team member who does not want to answer these questions, you need to find another set of providers.”

To learn more, talk with an oncologist near you.